Introduction:

Unlike many physical illnesses, a mental illness such as depression may not be apparent to the person who suffers because he or she may think and feel that what is being experienced is normal. It often takes an increase in symptoms over time and a sense of such despair and paralysis before people seek help. People with depression isolate themselves and often suffer alone. The good news is that for many there are treatments that can mitigate the symptoms.

Discussion Questions:

Prepare for this by reading the information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and by viewing the TEDx Talk given by Andrew Solomon.